What an Incredible Day at Purple Parade 2025! 💜
On 25th October 2025, Singapore came together for a truly inspiring celebration of unity and inclusion at Purple Parade 2025.
Caregivers often face stress and uncertainty when their dependants go through major life transitions — and National Service (NS) is one of the biggest. To help ease this journey, CaringSG, in collaboration with SGFamilies, SAFRA Toa Payoh, and SPARK, organised a special Pre-NS Forum on 5 April 2025.
If you missed the session, we’ve compiled key takeaways for caregivers and persons with disabilities (PWDs) 😊😊
Special Needs ≠ Automatic Exemption
Having special needs does not mean automatic exemption from NS. All pre-enlistees will go through a medical screening at CMPB (Central Manpower Base) to decide their PES status (Physical Employment Standards).
Prepare all necessary reports, medical and/or assessment reports to be submitted when it is time to complete their Medical Screening Questionnaire.
Make sure all required medical and assessment reports are completed in time to submit with your Medical Screening Questionnaire.
📌 Tip: Be transparent with medical history. It helps the SAF provide better support.
BMT School V: Inclusive Training Since 2018
For those with special needs or lower PES status (PES C/E), BMTC School V in Kranji offers tailored training:
– Service-Fit Fitness Programme adapts training to the individual’s capabilities.
– Care Hub provides 24/7 support from counsellors, medical officers, and psychologists.
– All recruits take part in shared NS milestones, such as the Weapon Presentation Ceremony and Graduation Parade.
Each Soldier Is Seen as a Singaporean Son
The SAF adopts an individualised approach, focusing on:
– Assigning vocations based on strengths
– Offering medical accommodations like dietary adjustments, extra explanation of commands, and flexibility for sensory sensitivities
– Ensuring a supportive environment that enables each recruit to thrive
Advice for Parents & Pre-Enlistees
🧠 From CPL Gabriel Tan:
“Go in with a positive mindset. Trust your commanders – they will respect your needs.”
💬 From LCP Isaac Tan:
“Don’t give up. If things don’t work out, speak to your sergeant. The system is there to help.”
👩👦 From Ms Tan Yen Yen (Isaac’s mother):
“Be supportive and learn to let go. Let your son grow into a young man.”
NS as a Growth Journey
NS may come with challenges, but with the right preparation and mindset, it becomes a valuable opportunity for growth, resilience, and contribution—regardless of ability.
Thanking our Guests, Host, and Speakers
We woud like to take the opportunity to thank our speakers who shared their experience and invaluable information on the mechanisms available to facilitate a seamless transition into National Service:
Dr Sng Hock Lin
Chief, Silver Generation Office (SGO), AIC and former Commander overseeing BMTC Sch 5
COL (NS) Darren Tan
Family Coach and National Service Commander
BG (RET) Ishak Ismail
Ex-Commander BMTC, ACCORD Resource Partner
CPL (NSF) Gabriel Tan
Administrative Support Assistant
LCP (NSF) Isaac Tan & Yen Yen Tan
Administrative Support Assistant & mother
💜 Featuring CAREcottage @ SAFRA
In addition to the seminar, participants also got to visit our CAREcottage booths, where caregiver and PWD-run enterprises showcased their talents. The community was introduced to a vibrant marketplace of amazing handicrafts and bakes by caregivers and persons with disabilities.
Visitors to this year’s forum could once again support and interact with social enterprises like AusomeSuds, Bead by Bead, Crochet_Connectz, Crunchy Teeth, EVOLSTUDIO, Jojomama, Kairos_moment, SNAIL Handmade Ceramics, a celebration of creativity, resilience, and empowerment.
Caregivers also benefitted from caregivers resources by CaringSG, SG Assist and Kaleidoscope Therapy Centre. We would also like to thank Kaleidoscope for generously supporting us for childminding, and 13 of our volunteers for helping with this event!
Other Updates
Celebrate a BIG Sports and Wellness Bang with CaringSG!
On 31st August 2025, a total of 56 CaringSG members — caregivers and their loved ones with physical, intellectual, and neurological impairments — came together at NTUC Club’s multipurpose hall, Singpost Centre to celebrate the last day of August with a BIG Sports and Wellness Bang!
CaringSG Webinar Summary: Empowering Families Through Sexuality Education
Teaching children about sexuality and healthy relationships is never an easy task, and for parents of children with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the challenges can feel even more overwhelming. To support caregivers on this journey, CaringSG recently hosted a webinar featuring expert insights and heartfelt sharing from both a professional and a parent, offering practical guidance, reassurance, and hope.
Celebrating SG60 with Caregivers at Bird Paradise
On 11 August 2025, 62 participants — including caregivers, persons with disabilities (PwDs), and their family members and loved ones, volunteers and CaringSG team — came together for a memorable SG60 celebration at Bird Paradise, Mandai.
Celebrating SG60: National Day Istana Open House
On 3 August 2025, CaringSG proudly joined the nation in commemorating Singapore’s 60th birthday at the National Day Istana Open House (NDIOH).
Celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Day 2025: Honouring Five Years of Heart-Led Action
On 12 July 2025, CaringSG celebrated Volunteer Appreciation Day with heartfelt gratitude and joy. Marking five years of empowering caregivers, the event honoured the volunteers who have been the heart of our mission. From touching performances and meaningful awards to laughter, cake, and connection — it was a celebration of care in its truest form.
